Instructions for Manuscript Preparation

Authors submitting to Quantica: International Journal of Applied and Computational Intelligence (QIJACI) are requested to follow the guidelines below to ensure consistency, quality, and smooth processing of manuscripts.

1. File Format

Manuscripts must be prepared and submitted in Microsoft Word (.docx) format (Word 2007 or later). Submissions in PDF or other formats will not be considered.

2. Article Template

Authors are required to prepare their manuscripts using the journal’s prescribed template Microsoft Word (.docx).

3. Word Limit

Manuscripts should typically range between 2,500 and 5,000 words, including abstract, tables, figures, and appendices, but excluding references.

4. Title Page

The title page must include:

• Title: Clear, concise, and informative

• Author Names: Full names of all authors; corresponding author marked with an asterisk (*)

• Affiliations: Complete institutional details (department, institution/university, city, state, country)

• Multiple Affiliations: Use superscripts to indicate author affiliations

• ORCID IDs: Include where available

5. Abstract

Provide a structured abstract of 200–250 words in a single paragraph, clearly outlining:

• Research objective or problem

• Methodology

• Key findings

• Conclusions

6. Keywords

Include 5-7 relevant keywords to enhance indexing and discoverability.

7. Abbreviations

Define all abbreviations at their first occurrence in the main text (excluding the title and abstract).

8. Manuscript Structure

Manuscripts should be organized as follows:

• Introduction: Context, literature review, research gap, and objectives

• Methodology: Detailed procedures enabling reproducibility

• Results: Clear and systematic presentation of findings

• Discussion: Interpretation and comparison with existing literature

• Conclusion: Summary of findings, limitations, and future directions

• Acknowledgments: Funding sources and contributions (if applicable)

9. Formatting Guidelines

Text Formatting

• Font: Times New Roman, 12-point

• Line spacing: Double-spaced

• Use italics for emphasis where necessary

• Apply automatic page numbering

• Use tab spacing for indentation (avoid manual spaces)

Headings

Use a numbered (decimal) system with up to three hierarchical levels.

10. Tables

• Number tables sequentially using Arabic numerals (Table 1, Table 2, etc.)

• Provide a clear and descriptive caption above each table

• Use Word’s table feature (tables must be editable; images are not acceptable)

• Ensure all tables are referenced within the text

• Use superscripts (letters or asterisks) for table notes or statistical indicators

11. Figures

• Number figures consecutively (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.)

• Use sub-labels where applicable (e.g., Figure 1a, 1b)

• Submit high-resolution images with clear and legible text

• Preferred format: RGB colour mode

• Font: Times New Roman (8–12 pt)

• Place figure captions below the figures, starting with “Figure” in bold

• Do not embed titles or captions within the image itself

• Ensure all figures are properly cited in the manuscript

12. References

All references must follow the guidelines of the APA Style (7th Edition).

In-text Citations

Parenthetical:

• Single author: (Sharma, 2020)

• Two authors: (Sharma & Patel, 2020)

• Three or more: (Sharma et al., 2020)

Narrative:

• Single author: Sharma (2020)

• Two authors: Sharma and Patel (2020)

• Three or more: Sharma et al. (2020)

Reference List Format

Include only cited and published (or accepted) works.

Journal Article: Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Journal Name, volume (issue), pages. DOI

Book:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book (Edition). Publisher.

Book Chapter:

Author, A. A. (Year). Chapter title. In Editor (Ed.), Book Title (pp. xx–xx). Publisher.

Conference Paper:

Author, A. A. (Year, Month). Paper title. Conference Name, Location. DOI

Thesis/Dissertation:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title (Publication No.) [Doctoral dissertation, Institution]. Publisher

Important Note

• Only references cited in the text should appear in the reference list

• Personal communications should be cited only within the text

• Footnotes and endnotes should not replace references

Final Submission Checklist

Before submission, ensure that:

• The manuscript follows all formatting guidelines

• Figures and tables are properly labelled and cited

• References are complete and correctly formatted

The manuscript is original and not under review elsewhere.